What stands in the way of sustainable development?
There are many obstacles but some of the most important have to do with entrenched interests, political power and our (un)willingness to challenge a view of development based in consumption-fueled growth. When we discuss development, we tend to think of how to address poverty in the global South or make poor countries richer, but rarely do we think of fundamental changes that are required in the global North or redistributing political power/voice - including the power to define development and set priorities. That's because the latter options involve challenging our way of living in the global North and our power on the international stage.
Should there be a distinction between growth and development in order to achieve sustainability?
Yes! If sustainability is not just about environmental impact but also social impact in terms of levels of equality, quality of life, political voice and community "buy-in" in development, then focusing on macro-economic growth is not enough and may actually distract from more worthy goals.
